Stress, Copingstrategies, And Help-Seeking Among Catholic Priests In Cape Coast

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the sources of stress, coping strategies, and help-seeking among Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of Cape Coast. A descriptive research design and a census sampling technique were adopted. The targeted population for the study was 159 priests; however, 148 responses were obtained. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics (t-test, ANOVA, and Chisquare) were used to analyse the data. Results indicated that the predominant source of stress among the priests was “intrusion.” The study further revealed “religion” as the leading coping mechanism among the priests. A moderate level of stress was found among the priests. This was found to be higher among parish priests than among assistant parish priests and those in other apostolates. It was also found to be higher among the priests who worked in urban areas than among their colleagues in rural areas. Furthermore, the study found that, though levels of stress significantly influence help-seeking, most priests would not seek help for their personal and emotional problems. The study recommended that the Archdiocese of Cape Coast should educate the priests on the need to establish and uphold work boundaries and encourage them to seek psychological help in times of mental and emotional challenges.